Proposed legislation during this lame-duck session could harm Michigan businesses and the communities they support.
With only five session days left in Michigan’s legislative calendar, businesses across the state are sounding the alarm on a series of proposed bills that could significantly disrupt small businesses and economic growth. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is urging community members to act now and contact their legislators to oppose these harmful policies.
1. Paid Leave and Minimum Wage Changes
Proposals to eliminate the tipped wage credit and expand paid leave requirements would impose significant costs and administrative burdens on small businesses. These bills are a starting point to make common-sense changes.
2. Worker’s Compensation Changes
Proposed reforms to worker’s compensation laws could increase costs for employers and reduce flexibility in coverage options, creating unnecessary burdens for both businesses and employees.
3. Unemployment Insurance
Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance System is 100 percent employer-financed and is still rebuilding post-COVID. Increasing the maximum duration from 20 to 26 weeks would trigger an increase in UI taxes on employers while there is a need to fill critical job opening across the northern lower region and U.P.
4. Minimum Staffing Levels
Mandating staffing levels in certain industries, such as public safety and healthcare, could disrupt operational flexibility and increase costs for employers without addressing root causes of workforce shortages.
5. Independent Contractors
This bill seeks to redefine the definition of independent contractors, therefore limiting opportunities for freelance work and the businesses that rely on it. This bill also imposes steep penalties for misclassification of a worker. Forcing employers to classify more workers as employees will also contractors to lose the flexibility they desire.
What Can You Do?
The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is calling on community members to contact your state legislators and the Governor and urge them to oppose these harmful policies. Legislators must hear directly from business owners, employees, and residents who are concerned about these changes. We need everyone’s voice to ensure that Michigan’s policies support growth and opportunity, not impose unnecessary burdens.